WO2016052526A1

WO2016052526A1 - Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016052526A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/077559
Authority: WO
Inventors: 徹也西野; 直明福岡
Original assignee: 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-10-02
Filing date: 2015-09-29
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: US20170308019A1; US9939767B2; JPWO2016052526A1; JP6233526B2

Abstract

This image forming apparatus (100) is equipped with: a document set detector (3a, S1, S5); a document size detector (3a, S2, S3, S5); a manual feeder (6) with a manual feed tray (61) that is not equipped with a sensor for detecting the size of set manually-fed paper; a printer (5) that performs printing on the basis of image data; an operation panel (4) that receives setting for feeding paper from the manual feeder (6); and a controller (7) that recognizes the size of a set document and performs manually-fed-paper automatic setting for recognizing the recognized size of the set document as the size of the manually-fed paper.

Description

Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a manual sheet feeding unit.

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, and a printer includes a sheet cassette for storing and feeding sheets used for printing. Generally, the sheet size that can be set in the sheet cassette is a fixed size such as A-type size or letter size. In addition, a manual feed tray may be provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the paper cassette. If the paper in the manual feed tray is replaced, the paper can be fed. Therefore, the manual feed tray has the advantage of being easier to change to different sized sheets compared to a sheet cassette. Also, when printing using paper of a size other than the fixed size (custom size), the paper is set in the manual feed tray.

Patent Document 1 describes an example of such an image forming apparatus having a manual sheet feeding function. Specifically, Patent Document 1 has a manual sheet feeding function, stores an image to be formed, and determines the size of a recording sheet to be manually fed from the stored image and the set copying magnification. There is described an image forming apparatus for notifying the user of the size of the recording sheet obtained. With this configuration, the size of the recording sheet to be set is notified, and the burden on the user in the sheet setting operation is eliminated (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0004]).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-016045

If the sheet size (recognition size) recognized by the image forming apparatus deviates from the size of the sheet actually set, printing may not be properly performed. For example, when the automatic scaling function is set, the scaling factor determined by the automatic scaling is determined based on the ratio between the size of the document and the size of the set sheet. If there is a gap between the recognition size and the actual size, proper printing may not be performed. If the magnification is automatically set to a large size by mistake, the entire content of the document is not printed so as to fit in the sheet. In addition, an image (toner image) larger than the sheet size is formed, resulting in waste of toner. Also, if the automatic magnification is set by mistake in the small direction, the portion printed on the sheet is too small.

As described above, it is necessary to correctly recognize the paper size used for printing, but the size of the loaded paper is set in the image forming apparatus so that setting of the paper size may not be performed each time the user performs printing. A sensor is provided to detect Specifically, the size of the sheet needs to be recognized in each of the sub-scanning direction (sheet conveyance direction) and the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction). Therefore, a plurality of size detection sensors are provided for each portion where a sheet such as a sheet cassette is set.

Conventionally, in order to detect the sheet size, a size detection sensor is also provided on the manual feed tray. If the size detection sensor for the manual feed tray is cut (if it is lost), instead of detecting the size of the manual feed sheet, the size setting of the sheet set in the manual feed tray by the user (hereinafter referred to as "manual feed sheet") is printed. It must be done every time. In order to set the size of a sheet set in the manual feed tray on the operation panel, it is usually necessary to go through a plurality of setting screen transitions. For this reason, some users may find it bothersome to set the size of a manual feed sheet every time a sheet is fed from the manual feed tray and printed. In addition, in the case of a manual feed tray in which sheets can be easily changed, the number of times of changing the sheet size tends to be larger than that of the sheet cassette. Therefore, it is even easier for the user to feel bothersome. For these reasons, conventionally, a size detection sensor is provided as an essential part of the manual feed tray, and there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can not be reduced.

Here, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the size of the sheet to be set in the manual feed tray is notified. However, in order to perform notification, the end of reading of all the originals is a condition (Patent Document 1: paragraphs [0029] and [0030]). Therefore, the user must wait until the document reading is completed. After the document reading is completed, the user sets an appropriate sheet on the manual feed tray. Therefore, it takes a long time from the document set to the start of copying. Sometimes it is faster to enter the size of the paper to be loaded on the operation panel. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 can not eliminate the inconvenience and inconvenience of the user.

In view of the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention automatically sets an appropriate size of a manual-feed sheet without providing a sensor for detecting the size of the manual-feed sheet.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus includes an original set detection unit that detects that an original has been set, and a reading unit that includes an original size detection unit that detects the size of the set original. The manual feed tray includes a manual feed tray including a manual feed tray, and the manual feed tray itself is not provided with a sensor for detecting the size of the set sheet, and is obtained by reading by the reading unit. The printer includes a printing unit for printing based on image data or received data, and a display unit for displaying a setting screen for setting for printing and document reading, and accepts settings for printing and document reading, and the manual feed A setting for performing sheet feeding from a sheet feeding unit, setting of a size of a manual sheet which is a sheet set in the manual feed tray, and the reading unit Automatically detecting the size of a set document which is a document set in the reading unit based on the output of the document size detection unit, or the operation panel receiving the setting of the size of the document set in the document; The size of the set original is recognized based on the setting of the size of the set original, manual sheet automatic setting is performed to recognize the recognized size of the set original as the size of the manual feed sheet, and the sheet is fed to the manual feed unit. And a control unit that causes the printing unit to print on the sheet fed from the manual sheet feeding unit based on the recognized size which is the size of the sheet recognized.

According to the present invention, the appropriate size of the sheet set in the manual feed tray is automatically recognized and set without providing a sensor for manual feed sheet size detection. Also, in order to detect a sheet used for printing as a document, a document can be set and automatically set as a manually fed sheet size at the time of printing.

It is a figure showing a multifunction machine. It is a figure which shows a reading unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. It is a figure which shows a reading unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the copy initial screen of a copy function. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet feeding source selection screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a document size setting screen. It is a flow chart which shows an example of manual feed paper automatic setting. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of automatic change of the size of a manual feed sheet when the set original document is lost. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an automatic change setting screen regarding automatic change of the size of a manual feed sheet when the set original is lost. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of feeding and printing from a manual feed tray in a multifunction peripheral. An example of a warning message when the magnification which is not equal magnification is set is shown. An example of data for obtaining a recommended paper size in accordance with the set magnification is shown. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a manual feed sheet setting screen for setting a sheet size of a manual sheet feed unit (manual feed tray).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the following description, the multifunction device 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element of the configuration, arrangement, and the like described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention, and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a reading unit 1 including a document conveyance unit 2 and an image reading unit 3 at the top. The multifunction device 100 also has an operation panel 4. Further, the multifunction device 100 includes, as the printing unit 5, a sheet feeding unit 5a (sheet feeding cassette), a manual sheet feeding unit 6, a conveyance unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, and a fixing unit 5d.

The operation panel 4 includes a setting screen related to printing and document reading, and a display unit 41 that displays various messages (attention, error, status, and the like). The operation panel 4 includes a touch panel unit 42 (corresponding to an input unit) provided to the display unit 41, a start key 43a for instructing reading of a document or execution of a copy job, and a hard key 43 such as a ten key unit 43b. (Equivalent to the input unit) is included. The operation panel 4 also receives settings such as printing and transmission conditions such as the size of a sheet or a document. The operation panel 4 receives settings for printing and document reading, and receives settings for performing sheet feeding from the manual sheet feeding unit 6 and settings for the size of a sheet (manual sheet) set on the manual tray 61. The operation panel 4 also receives setting of the size of the document set in the reading unit 1 (details will be described later).

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet feeding unit 5a accommodates a plurality of sheets of paper, and feeds out the sheets at the time of printing. The sheet feeding unit 5a includes two sheet feeding cassettes. The manual paper feed unit 6 feeds paper (manual paper) set in the manual tray 61 at the time of printing. The manual paper feed unit 6 includes a manual paper feed tray 61, a manual paper feed regulation plate 62, and a manual paper feed roller 63 which feeds a manual paper sheet by rotating it. The manual feed regulation plate 62 is a pair of sliding plate-like members (only one is visible in FIG. 1), and regulates the position of the manual feed sheet so that the set position becomes appropriate. The pair of manual feed regulation plates 62 are slid on the inner surface of both manual feed regulation plates 62 so that the edge of the sheet is along.

The conveying unit 5 b guides the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 5 a or the manual sheet feeding unit 6 to the image forming unit 5 c. The image forming unit 5 c forms a toner image based on the image data and transfers the toner image to a sheet. The fixing unit 5d heats and presses the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred, and fixes the toner image on the sheet. The sheet after fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 51. In the case of double-sided printing, the single-sided printed sheet discharged from the fixing unit 5 d is switchbacked, and is then sent downward through the double-sided printing conveyance unit 5 e and passes through the conveyance unit 5 b to the image forming unit 5 c again. Sent.

(Configuration of reading unit 1)
Next, the reading unit 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the reading unit 1 includes the document conveyance unit 2 and the image reading unit 3. First, when transporting and reading a document (in the case of feed reading), the document transport unit 2 automatically and continuously reads the set document (set document) one by one continuously at the reading position (contact glass 31 for feed reading). Transport to Further, the document conveyance unit 2 is attached so as to be freely openable and closable so that the front side is vertically swung with respect to the image reading unit 3 with the back side of the paper surface of FIG. Therefore, when reading a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 32 (during placement reading), the document transport unit 2 also functions as a cover that holds the document and each contact glass from above.

The document transport unit 2 includes a document tray 21, a document feeding unit 22, a document transport path 23, a plurality of document transport roller pairs 24 (24 a to 24 d), a document discharge roller pair 25, a document discharge sequentially from the upstream side of the document transport direction. The tray 26 is included. The document is set on the document tray 21 with the front side facing up. A part of the document tray 21 on the downstream side of the document conveyance direction rotates (moves) about a rotation axis. When a document is set on the document tray 21 (details of the various detections will be described later), the end on the downstream side of the movable portion 21a in the document conveyance direction rotates upward to feed the uppermost document and the document The part 22 is abutted. When the conveyance of all the originals is completed, or when the set originals are removed, the movable portion 21a is lowered.

When an input for performing document reading, such as touch of the start key 43a, is input to the multifunction device 100, the document feeding unit 22 sends the documents one by one to the document conveyance path 23 (document feeding). The document conveyance roller pair 24 conveys the document fed from the document tray 21 along the document conveyance path 23. Then, the document passes through the upper surface of the feed reading contact glass 31. At the time of this passage, the image reading unit 3 performs reading. Further, the document discharge roller pair 25 discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 26.

Next, the image reading unit 3 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading unit 3 has a box-shaped housing. Then, a feed reading contact glass 31 through which a document to be conveyed passes is disposed on the upper left side of the image reading unit 3. Then, on the upper right side of the image reading unit 3, a transparent plate-shaped placement reading contact glass 32 is disposed. When reading a document such as a book one by one, the user lifts the document transport unit 2 and places the document on the placement reading contact glass 32 with the reading surface facing downward.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 3 includes a reading mechanism 3a for reading an original in a housing. The reading mechanism 3a irradiates light to the first moving frame 331, the second moving frame 332, the wire 34a, the winding drum 34b, the lens 35a, the document, and the lamp 330 such as LED or fluorescent tube and the document. The light is incident and includes an image sensor 35 for reading an original for each line and generating image data. As the image sensor 35, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a line can be used.

The first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 include a lamp 330, a first mirror 33a, a second mirror 33b, and a third mirror 33c. The light emitted from the lamp 330 and reflected by the original is guided to the lens 35 a by each mirror. Reflected light is incident on the image sensor 35 through the lens 35 a. The image sensor 35 supports black and white reading and color reading. A plurality of wires 34a are attached to the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 (only one is shown in FIG. 2 for the sake of convenience). The other end of the wire 34a is connected to the winding drum 34b. The take-up drum 34b is rotated by the drive source (take-up motor 3m, see FIG. 4), and the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 can be freely moved in the horizontal direction.

At the time of feed reading (reading of a conveyed document), after the winding motor 3m is driven, the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 move from the home position, and the lower position of the contact glass 31 for reading (reading Fixed in position). On the other hand, at the time of placement reading (reading of a document on the placement reading contact glass 32), the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 are shown in FIG. 2 from the home position by the winding drum 34b and the wire 34a. Move horizontally in the direction. Then, the scanning operation is continuously performed from the left end of the placement reading contact glass 32 to the end portion of the document. The image reading unit 3 generates image data of the read document based on the output of the image sensor 35.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 100)
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described based on FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 7 inside. The controller 7 controls each part of the apparatus. The control unit 7 includes a CPU 71, an image processing unit 72 that generates image data used for printing and transmission, and other electronic circuits and elements.

The CPU 71 controls and operates each unit of the multifunction device 100 based on a control program and control data stored in the storage unit 73. The storage unit 73 is a combination of a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM, a flash ROM, and an HDD, and a volatile storage device such as a RAM.

The control unit 7 is communicably connected to the printing unit 5 (the paper feeding unit 5a, the manual paper feeding unit 6, the conveyance unit 5b, the image forming unit 5c, the fixing unit 5d, and the double-sided printing conveyance unit 5e). The control unit 7 controls each unit of the printing unit 5 that performs sheet feeding, sheet conveyance, toner image formation, transfer, and fixing so that image formation is appropriately performed. An engine control unit that actually controls the printing unit 5 is provided as a separate substrate from the control unit 7, and the engine control unit controls the operation of the printing unit 5 based on an instruction from the control unit 7. Good. The control unit 7 can cause the printing unit 5 to perform printing based on the image data obtained by reading the document in the reading unit 1 (copy function).

Further, a communication unit 74 is connected to the control unit 7. The communication unit 74 communicates with a computer 200 such as a PC or a server or a FAX apparatus 300 via a network or a cable. The communication unit 74 receives, from the computer 200, print data including image data and print settings. Then, the control unit 7 causes the printing unit 5 to perform printing based on the printing data (printer function). Further, the communication unit 74 can transmit image data based on document reading of the reading unit 1 to the computer 200 and the FAX apparatus 300 (transmission function).

Further, the control unit 7 is communicably connected to the reading unit 1 (the image reading unit 3 and the document conveyance unit 2). The control unit 7 gives an operation instruction to the image reading unit 3 and the document conveyance unit 2, and the image reading unit 3 and the document conveyance unit 2 operate according to the instruction.

Further, the control unit 7 controls the display of the operation panel 4. The control unit 7 recognizes the setting made by the operation on the touch panel unit 42 or the hard key 43 and the instruction of the user, and controls the printing unit 5 and the reading unit 1 to conform to the instruction of the user. Run it.

(Operation control of reading unit 1)
Next, operation control of the reading unit 1 according to the embodiment will be described based on FIG.

A document conveyance control unit 20 is provided in the document conveyance unit 2. The document conveyance control unit 20 is communicably connected to the control unit 7 and the reading control unit 30. Then, the document conveyance control unit 20 performs operation control of members provided in the document conveyance unit 2 based on instructions and signals from the control unit 7 and the reading control unit 30. The document conveyance control unit 20 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

On the other hand, the image reading unit 3 is provided with a reading control unit 30. The reading control unit 30 is communicably connected to the control unit 7 and the document conveyance control unit 20. Then, the reading control unit 30 controls the operation control of the members provided in the image reading unit 3 based on the instructions and signals of the control unit 7 and the document conveyance control unit 20. The read control unit 30 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

When the feed reading is performed, the document conveyance control unit 20 drives the document conveyance motor 28 to rotate the document feeding unit 22, each document conveyance roller pair, and the document discharge roller pair 25. Thus, the documents on the document tray 21 are conveyed one by one. A sheet feeding clutch 28 a is provided in the document conveying portion 2 in order to feed the document at an appropriate timing while providing a constant sheet interval to the document supplied from the document tray 21.

Next, operation control of the image reading unit 3 will be described. The reading control unit 30 is a substrate including a CPU as a central processing unit.

When reading a document, the reading control unit 30 rotates the winding motor 3m and the winding drum 34b to move the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332. In addition, at the time of document reading, the reading control unit 30 operates the lamp 330, the image sensor 35, and the reading data processing unit 37. The read data processing unit 37 corrects the output of each light receiving element of the image sensor 35 and generates image data of a document.

The image data generated by the read data processing unit 37 is transmitted to the storage unit 73 through the image memory 30 a for image data transfer. The image processing unit 72 performs image processing on the image data of the storage unit 73 in accordance with the type of job and the setting of the user. The image data after the image processing is used for a print job (copy) or a transmission job, which is transmitted to the exposure device of the image forming unit 5c and the communication unit 74.

(Detection by reading unit 1)
Next, detection of a document using sensors provided in the document conveyance unit 2 and the image reading unit 3 will be described using FIGS. 2 and 4. In the following description, (1) detection of the document set on the document tray 21, (2) detection of the document size set on the document tray 21, (3) detection of the opening and closing of the document conveyance unit 2; A description will be given of the setting of the document on the placement reading contact glass 32 and the detection of the size of the set document.

(1) Detection of Document Set on Document Tray 21 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the document transport unit 2 detects whether one or more documents are properly set on the document tray 21. And a document set sensor S1 (corresponding to a document set detection unit).

As shown in FIG. 2, the document set sensor S <b> 1 is provided on the document tray 21. The document set sensor S1 is provided at a position at which a document can be detected even if the smallest sheet according to specifications is set on the document tray 21.

The document set sensor S1 is a sensor whose output changes depending on whether a document exists in the detection area (sensor installation position). For the document set sensor S1, a transmissive optical sensor, a reflective optical sensor, or a mechanical switch can be used.

The output of the document set sensor S1 is input to the document conveyance control unit 20. The document transport control unit 20 detects whether a document is set on the document tray 21 based on the output of the document set sensor S1 (depending on whether the output of the document set sensor S1 is High or Low). Then, the document conveyance control unit 20 notifies the reading control unit 30 and the control unit 7 that the document set and the absence of the set document (change in the output of the document set sensor S1). Thus, the control unit 7 recognizes whether there is a document set on the document tray 21.

(2) Detection of Document Size Set on Document Tray 21 The size detection unit 29 (document size detection for detecting the size of a document placed (set) on the document tray 21 in the document conveyance unit 2 Section) is provided.

The size detection unit 29 includes a plurality of size sensors S2 in order to detect the size of the document set in the document tray 21 in the document transport direction (sub scanning direction) of the document. A plurality of size sensors S2 are provided on the upper surface of the document tray 21 along the document conveyance direction. Each size sensor S2 detects whether a document is present on the upper surface. Each size sensor S2 has different outputs depending on whether or not the document exists above. Similar to the document set sensor S1, each size sensor S2 can use a transmissive optical sensor, a reflective optical sensor, or a mechanical switch.

The output of each size sensor S2 is input to the document conveyance control unit 20. The document conveyance control unit 20 detects the size (range) of the document in the document conveyance direction on the document tray 21 based on the output of each size sensor S2 (depending on whether the output of each size sensor S2 is High or Low). In FIG. 2, if the document is set, the document conveyance control unit 20 lengthens the size of the document in the sub scanning direction from the rightmost size sensor S2 which can detect the presence of the document to the left end of the document tray 21. It is recognized that it is shorter than the distance from the leftmost size sensor S2 not detecting the presence of the document to the left end of the document tray 21. In other words, the document conveyance control unit 20 recognizes the range of the length of the document in the sub scanning direction.

The size detection unit 29 also includes a variable resistance unit S3. The variable resistance portion S3 functions as a sensor for detecting the size of the document in the direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the document set on the document tray 21.

Specifically, the document tray 21 is provided with a pair of document regulating plates 21b which pinch the document in the main scanning direction and regulate the position (see FIG. 2). The pair of document restricting plates 21b slide symmetrically with respect to a predetermined center line. The pair of document restriction plates 21b sandwiches and slides the document in the main scanning direction, and regulates the position of the document. A slide mechanism (not shown) of the pair of document restricting plates 21b and a movable terminal (resistance value adjustment terminal) of variable resistance are connected. Then, the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the position of the pair of document restricting plates 21b, and as a result, the output value of the variable resistor portion S3 changes.

The output of the variable resistance unit S3 is input to the document conveyance control unit 20. The document conveyance control unit 20 accurately detects the size of the document in the main scanning direction (front-back direction) based on the output value of the variable resistance unit S3. Then, the document transport control unit 20 compares the size (range) in the sub-scanning direction of the document by each size sensor S2 with the size in the main scanning direction, and recognizes the corresponding fixed sheet size. Then, the document transport control unit 20 notifies the control unit 7 of the sizes of the recognized document in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. As a result, the control unit 7 recognizes the size of the set document of the document tray 21 (which fixed size it is).

(3) Detection of Opening and Closing of Document Conveying Unit 2 Next, detection of opening and closing of the document conveying unit 2 will be described. The document transport unit 2 can be opened and closed in order to set the document on the placement reading contact glass 32. In order to open and close the document conveyance unit 2, a rotary shaft (hinge) is provided on the back side of the multifunction device 100 (not shown).

In order to detect the opening and closing of the document conveyance unit 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the image reading unit 3 is provided with an open / close detection sensor S4 (corresponding to an original set detection unit and an original size detection unit). Then, a part of the open / close detection sensor S4 is exposed on the upper surface of the image reading unit 3 for open / close detection. The open / close detection sensor S4 includes a projection (not shown) biased to project upward.

As the opened (lifted) document transport unit 2 is closed (pulled down), the lower surface of the document transport unit 2 is in contact with the projection, and the projection is pushed into the open / close detection sensor S4. On the other hand, as the document transport unit 2 is lifted, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion increases. The output of the open / close detection sensor S4 changes depending on whether the amount of protrusion of the protrusion exceeds a predetermined value.

In the reading unit 1 of the present embodiment, is the angle between the lower surface of the document conveyance unit 2 and the upper surface of the image reading unit 3 (contact glass 32 for placement reading) equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle (for example, about 15 to 45 degrees)? The output value of the open / close detection sensor S4 is switched (High → Low or Low → High) with the

Then, the output of the open / close detection sensor S4 is input to the reading control unit 30. The reading control unit 30 detects whether the document transport unit 2 is in the open state (more than a predetermined angle) or in the closed state (less than the predetermined angle) based on the output value of the open / close detection sensor S4. The open / close detection sensor S4 only needs to detect whether the document conveyance unit 2 is open or closed, and the output value of the open / close detection sensor S4 is not limited to the same type of sensor as described above. (When it is considered that the document conveyance unit 2 is opened), and when the output value of the open / close detection sensor S4 is closed (when it is considered that the document conveyance unit 2 is closed), that effect is read control The control unit 7 is notified from the unit 30. Thereby, the control unit 7 recognizes the open / close state of the document conveyance unit 2.

(4) Detection of Presence of Document on Load Reading Contact Glass 32 and Detection of Set Document Size As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the document is set on the contact reading contact glass 32 in the image reading unit 3. A table document detection unit 38 (corresponding to a document set detection unit and a document size detection unit) for detecting whether or not the document is placed and the size of the placed document is provided.

When the table document detection unit 38 operates to close the document conveyance unit 2 (before the document conveyance unit 2 is completely closed), the presence or absence of the document set on the placement reading contact glass 32, and the sub-scanning direction To detect the size of the original document. For size detection, the table original detection unit 38 includes a plurality of table original sensors S5. Each table document sensor S5 is a sensor that detects whether a document is present on the upper surface. Each table document sensor S5 is provided below the contact glass 32 for placement reading and along the upper edge (rear edge).

The output of each table document sensor S5 differs depending on whether the document is detected or not. As each table document sensor S5, a sensor such as a reflective optical sensor that can detect the presence of a document without interfering with the reading of the document is used. The output of each table original sensor S5 is input to the reading control unit 30. The document is placed on the basis of the upper left corner of the placement reading contact glass 32. Then, based on the output of each table document sensor S5 (depending on whether the output of each table document sensor S5 is High or Low), the reading control unit 30 detects the presence or absence of the document on the placement reading contact glass 32, and Detects a range of sizes in the scan direction.

The reading control unit 30 has the size of the document in the sub-scanning direction longer than the width from the rightmost table document sensor S5 where the presence of the document has been detected to the left end of the placement reading contact glass 32, It is detected that the size is smaller than the width from the leftmost table document sensor S5 which can not be detected to the left end of the placement reading contact glass 32. When the all-table document sensor S5 does not detect the presence of a document, the reading control unit 30 determines that there is no document set.

Further, in the reading unit 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation for closing the document conveyance unit 2 is performed (before the document conveyance unit 2 is completely closed), pre-scanning is performed. The pre-scan is a reading for detecting the presence or absence of the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 32 and the size in the main scanning direction.

After the image reading unit 3 detects that the document conveyance unit 2 is opened, the document conveyance unit 2 is closed more than a predetermined angle (the output value when the output value of the open / close detection sensor S4 is from the open state to the closed state) Trigger a pre-scan. In other words, the image reading unit 3 performs pre-scanning in a state where the document conveyance unit 2 is slightly open.

Then, at the time of execution of prescanning, the image reading unit 3 operates the winding motor 3m to set the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 to the prescanning position below the contact glass 32 for placement reading. Move it. Note that after completion of the pre-scan, the reading control unit 30 returns the first moving frame 331 and the second moving frame 332 to the home position.

The light of the lamp 330 is reflected by the original at the portion where the original exists. Therefore, in the pre-scan image data, the pixel value of the pixel corresponding to the position where the document exists becomes bright (white). Since the light of the lamp 330 is not reflected by the document, the portion without the document has a dark (dark) pixel value. Therefore, the reading control unit 30 detects a boundary between a pixel value darker than the threshold value and a thin pixel value smaller than the threshold value in the image data of the line in the main scanning direction obtained by the pre-scan. Then, the reading control unit 30 determines the number of consecutive pixel values equal to or greater than the threshold, the number of consecutive pixel values less than the threshold, and the distance from the boundary to the reference point (upper end or lower end) of the document set of the contact glass 32 for placement reading. Therefore, the size of the document in the main scanning direction can be detected almost accurately. The reading control unit 30 notifies the control unit 7 of the recognized size of the document in the main scanning direction and the range of the size in the sub scanning direction. Thus, the control unit 7 recognizes the size of the document set on the placement reading contact glass 32 (which fixed size it is).

On the other hand, if there is no pixel brighter than the threshold in the pre-scan image data, the reading control unit 30 determines that there is no document set on the placement reading contact glass 32. Specifically, the image reading unit 3 determines that a set document does not exist when the boundary can not be determined or when the number of pixels brighter than the threshold is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The control unit 7 can detect and recognize the presence or absence of a document on the placement reading contact glass 32 based on the output values of the plurality of table document sensors S5 and the result of pre-scanning.

(Setting when using copy function)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, an example of settings when using the copy function will be described. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the copy initial screen 4a of the copy function. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the sheet feed source selection screen 4a1. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the document size setting screen 4a2.

The display unit 41 of the operation panel 4 displays various setting screens. In response to the operation on the soft key or the hard key 43 in the setting screen, the display unit 41 switches the setting screen to be displayed. Then, when the selection using the copy function (selection to perform the copy job) is made on the main menu screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 41 and the operation of the hard key 43 for selecting the copy function, control is performed. The unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display the copy initial screen 4a (see FIG. 5) regarding the copy function.

The copy initial screen 4a is a top screen hierarchically among the setting screens of the copy function. Although setting screens are prepared for other functions (scan transmission and box-like functions), the description will be omitted.

The copy initial screen 4a is initially displayed in a state where the easy setting tab T1 (a tab including the character string "Quick Setup") is selected. In the selection state of the easy setting tab T1, in FIG. 7, when the easy setting tab T1 is selected, "paper selection", "paper size selection", "original size selection", "double-sided printing", "aggregate printing", An example in which setting item keys K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6 corresponding to “enlargement / reduction” are displayed is shown. When the display position of any of the setting item keys K1 to K6 is touched, the display unit 41 displays a setting screen for setting the setting value of the selected setting item by touching.

When the display position of the "paper selection" setting item (setting item key K1) is touched, the display unit 41 displays a paper source selection screen 4a1 (see FIG. 5B) for selecting a paper feeding position. The sheet feed source selection screen 4a1 of FIG. 5B shows an example in which two sheet cassettes of the sheet feed unit 5a and the manual feed tray 61 (manual feed sheet feed unit 6) are displayed as sheet feed source candidates. In the screen, a sheet feed source selection key K11 is disposed. A character string of either the sheet cassette or the manual feed tray 61 is attached to the sheet feed source selection key K11. The user operates the sheet feed source selection key K11 of the desired sheet feed source. Thereby, any one of the sheet feeding cassette and the manual sheet feeding section 6 can be set as the sheet feeding source. Further, by operating the sheet feeding source selection key K11 including Auto (automatic) characters, the control unit 7 is configured to automatically select the sheet feeding source according to the detected document size and magnification. You can also. By operating the OK key, the setting of the paper feed source can be completed. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the manual paper feed unit 6 (manual paper feed tray 61) is set as a paper feed source.

Specifically, when performing printing by feeding from the manual feed tray 61, it is necessary to set the paper feed source to the manual feed tray 61. Operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) receives an operation of sheet feed source selection key K11 of the "manual feed tray" in sheet feed source selection screen 4a1 as an operation of setting the sheet feed source to manual feed tray 61.

When the display position of the "paper size selection" setting item key K2 is touched, the display unit 41 displays a screen for setting the size of the paper set in each paper feed cassette or manual feed tray 61 (not shown) ). In the paper size setting, the display unit 41 displays a list of standard sizes available in the multifunction device 100. Operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) receives a size selected from the displayed standard sizes as the size of the manual feed sheet. There are also cases where it is desired to set a custom size (non-standard size paper) in the manual feed tray 61 and print. Therefore, the display unit 41 also displays a screen for numerically inputting the size of the manual feed sheet. Then, the operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) receives the numerically input size as the size of the manual feed sheet. FIG. 5A shows a state in which A4 is set as the size of the manual feed sheet.

When the display position of the setting item key K3 of “Select original size” is touched, the display unit 41 displays an original size setting screen for setting the size of the original set on the original tray 21 or the contact glass 32 for placement reading. 4a2 (FIG. 5C) is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 5C, on the document size setting screen 4a2, four classification keys for selecting the classification of the document size are displayed. The first fixed size key K31 is a key corresponding to A-type paper or B-type paper. The second fixed size key K32 is a key corresponding to an inch-based sheet such as a letter size. The other key K33 is a key corresponding to a sheet of a size classified as not applicable to any of A-type sheets such as fixed postcards, B-type sheets, and inch-type sheets.

When the display position of the first fixed size key K31, the second fixed size key K32, and the other key K33 is touched, the display unit 41 assigns the paper size key display area F1 disposed on the right side of the classification key to the classification. Display the key for each specified paper size. FIG. 5 shows an example in which keys corresponding to various A-type sheets and B-type sheets are listed in a list by the operation of the first fixed size key K31. Operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) accepts an operation of selecting a key from among the displayed keys of a fixed size as an input for designating the size of a set document. The control unit 7 recognizes the size corresponding to the operated key as the size of the set document.

The operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) also receives the setting of the automatic detection of the document size. Operation panel 4 receives a touch of a display position of a key (original size automatic detection key K35) including an automatic character as a setting for performing automatic detection of an original size (see FIG. 5C). In this case, the document size to be automatically detected is any of the standard sizes. By default, the document size is automatically detected.

Also, the user can set an irregular size (custom size) as the size of the document. Operation panel 4 (touch panel portion 42), when the display position of size input key K34 is touched, a screen for setting the size (of custom size) of the document by manual input (for example, numerical values in ten-key portion 43b Display the input). The user can set and input the actual size of the document of irregular size. The operation panel 4 receives the input numerical value as the size of the set document.

When the display position of the setting item key K4 of "double-sided printing" is touched, a setting screen (not shown) for setting the setting value such as whether the document is one side or both sides is displayed. In addition, when the display position of the setting item key K5 for “Integrated printing” is touched, setting values for the number of pages to be integrated in one page, such as “2in1” and “4in1”, and border lines are provided for each integrated page A setting screen (not shown) for setting a setting value such as whether or not is displayed.

When the display position of the setting item key K6 of "magnification" is touched, the display unit 41 is a setting for setting the magnification of the formed image to the size of the document (the size of the printed matter when the size of the document is 1). Display a screen (not shown). For example, the magnification can be set in steps of 1% between 50% and 200%. FIG. 5A shows a state where equal magnification (100%) is set. It is also possible to set an automatic scaling setting value for automatically setting a scaling factor based on an automatically detected document size and a sheet size (including a manual feed sheet). A data table in which an appropriate scaling factor according to the size of the document size and the size of the sheet is determined is stored in the storage unit 73.

Also, in order to set setting items (for example, setting items such as frame deletion, margin, and reading resolution) not displayed on the copy initial screen 4a, the user can set the document / paper / finishing tab T2 and the color / image quality tab T3. Touch the display position of the layout editing tab T4, the application / others tab T5, and the program tab T6. Each setting item is previously associated with any tab. The display unit 41 displays a screen displaying a list of setting items (setting item keys) associated with the tab designated by the touch.

Then, the control unit 7 is notified of the setting contents on the operation panel 4. The control unit 7 recognizes the setting contents (paper feed source, set paper size, document size, etc.) on the operation panel 4 according to the notification from the operation panel 4.

(Manual feed paper automatic setting)
Next, referring to FIG. 6, an example of a flow of manual sheet automatic setting in a copy job will be described.

The control unit 7 is set to perform sheet feeding from the manual sheet feeding unit 6 using the operation panel 4 or the like, and rotates the manual sheet feeding motor 64 when supplying sheets to be used for printing from the manual sheet feeding tray 61. Thereby, the manual feed roller 63 is rotated. A set sensor S6 may be provided to detect whether a sheet is set in the manual feed tray 61 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 7 can recognize the presence or absence of the sheet on the manual feed tray 61 based on the output of the set sensor S6.

Here, the manual paper feeding unit 6 (the manual tray 61 itself) is not provided with a sensor for detecting the size of the set paper. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus (the multifunction machine 100) can be suppressed. However, the size of the manual feed sheet can not be detected. If the size of the paper used for printing is unknown, appropriate printing may not be possible. Further, the width of the formed image (toner image) in the main scanning direction can not be determined. Therefore, in the operation panel 4, the size of the manual feed sheet can be set along with the setting for feeding the sheet from the manual feed unit 6. The control unit 7 recognizes the set size as the size of the manual sheet (recognition size).

However, some users find it bothersome to set the size of the manual feed sheet every time. In order to eliminate the inconvenience of the user, the control unit 7 automatically sets the size of the manual feed sheet (manual feed sheet automatic setting). As a result, when the copy job is executed using the manual feed tray 61, it is not always necessary to set the sheet size in the operation panel 4. In addition, it is possible to temporarily set a sheet to be used for printing as a document, and to automatically set it as a manually fed sheet size at printing.

The flow of manual sheet automatic sheet setting will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 6 is the time when setting of the operation panel 4 is started by the user.

First, control unit 7 confirms the setting contents of the copy job made on operation panel 4 and continues checking whether all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination have been set (step # 1, step # 1). 1 No → step # 1). Among the various setting values, the condition setting value is a setting value for determining whether or not the size of the manual feed sheet is to be automatically set. The condition setting values are predetermined, and there are a plurality of types (details will be described later). Further, a predetermined combination of condition set values is determined (details will be described later).

Then, when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set (when the last condition setting value that has not been set among the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination is set), the manual feed sheet Automatic configuration is performed. The confirmation in step # 1 may be omitted, and the control unit 7 may immediately recognize the size of the set original as the size of the manual sheet.

Subsequently, control unit 7 checks whether or not the document is set in reading unit 1 (whether the document is set or the document is newly set) (step # 2). . Specifically, based on the notification from the document conveyance control unit 20, the control unit 7 reads the placement of the document based on whether the document is set in the document tray 21 and based on the notification from the reading control unit 30. It is checked whether it is set on the contact glass 32 or not.

Whether or not a document is set in the document tray 21 is determined based on the output value of the document set sensor S1. Further, whether or not the document is set on the placement reading contact glass 32 depends on the size detection of the sheet in the main scanning direction in the pre-scan when the document transport unit 2 is opened and closed, and the table document sensor S5. It is judged based on the output of

When the document is not set (No in step # 2), the flow returns to step # 1. On the other hand, when the document is set in reading unit 1 (Yes in step # 2), control unit 7 determines that all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination have been set and the predetermined time While going back in time, it is confirmed whether the size of the manual feed sheet has been set by the input to the operation panel 4 (step # 3). This is to give priority to the size set by the user. Here, the predetermined time is a time that can be determined appropriately. The predetermined time is a time obtained by adding a margin to the time which is expected to be required to set all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination after setting the document (for example, 2 to 3 minutes).

If the size of the manual feed sheet is set within the predetermined time (Yes in step # 3), the control unit 7 determines that the sheet of the size set on the operation panel 4 is set in the manual feed tray 61. Recognize (step # 4).

On the other hand, when the size of the manual feed sheet is not set in operation panel 4 within the predetermined time (No in step # 3), control unit 7 recognizes the size of the set document being recognized (used in document size setting screen 4a2). The size of the set original set by the user or the size of the set original automatically detected based on the output of the original size detection unit is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet (manual feed sheet automatic setting: step # 5). That is, in a state in which the size of the document set in the reading unit 1 is recognized, the control unit 7 performs automatic setting of manual feed paper triggered by setting of all the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination. . In a state where all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are not set, the control unit does not perform manual paper automatic setting even if the size of the set document of the reading unit 1 is recognized.

As described above, in the multi-function device 100 according to the present embodiment, the size of the set original and the size of the manually fed sheet are automatically set to be the same. Therefore, the condition setting value is a setting value that is set when the size of the set original and the size of the manual feed sheet may be regarded as the same (it may be considered that the copy job is performed using a sheet of the same size as the set original). is there.

The condition setting values include a setting value with the manual feed unit 6 as the sheet feeding source, a setting value with equal magnification in the printing magnification, an original size detection unit (size sensor S2, variable resistance unit S3, table original sensor S5, reading The setting value for automatically detecting the document size based on the output of the mechanism 3a) and the setting value set by designating the size of the set document.

Predetermined combinations are determined for the condition set values. One of the predetermined combinations is a set value with the manual feed unit 6 as the sheet feed source, a set value of equal magnification, and a set value for automatically detecting the document size based on the output of the document size detection unit (document This is the operation to the size automatic detection key K35 (see FIG. 5C).

In this combination, the setting value with the manual sheet feeding unit 6 as the sheet feeding source is a setting value on which the sheet feeding from the manual sheet feeding tray 61 is performed to perform a copy job. When the user is set to automatically detect the document size and is set to equal magnification, the user is very likely to print on a sheet of the same size as the size of the document. Therefore, these condition setting values are predetermined as one predetermined combination. When all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set, the control unit 7 recognizes the automatically detected size of the set document as the size of the manual feed sheet (manual feed sheet automatic setting).

Among the predetermined combinations, the other one is a set value with the manual feed portion 6 as a sheet feed source, a set value of equal magnification, and a set value set by designating the size of the set original (original size setting Specific document size designated on the screen 4a2, see FIG. 5C).

In this predetermined combination, the setting value with the manual sheet feeding unit 6 as the sheet feeding source is a setting value as a premise. When the user designates a document size such as a custom size or a standard size on the document size setting screen 4a2, the user sufficiently recognizes the size of the document. Furthermore, if the magnification is set to equal magnification, the user recognizes that even if the document is copied at equal magnification, printing can be performed without protruding from the sheet set in the manual feed tray 61. In other words, if the manual feed unit 6 is set as the sheet feed source, the same magnification is set, and the document size is designated, the user sets the paper having the set document size or more in the manual feed tray 61. I know I should. Therefore, assuming that the set document size is the size of the sheet set in the manual feed tray 61, the possibility of the contents of the document being out of the sheet being low is low even if the same size printing is performed. Therefore, these condition setting values are predetermined as one combination. When all of the condition setting values included in this combination are set, the control unit 7 recognizes the designated size of the set document as the size of the manual feed sheet (manual feed sheet automatic setting).

The number of types of condition setting values and predetermined combinations may be more.

When manual sheet automatic setting is performed (step # 5), the control unit 7 performs a process regarding the prohibition (step # 6). Specifically, the control unit 7 performs control when (1) the setting for changing the condition set value is not received as the process relating to the prohibition, or (2) the operation panel 4 receives the setting for changing the condition set value. The unit 7 discards the recognition result of the paper size by manual paper automatic setting. When discarding, the control unit 7 automatically causes the display unit 41 to display a setting screen for setting the size of the manual feed sheet. The setting screen for setting the size of the manual feed sheet is the same setting screen as the setting screen displayed when the setting item key K2 of the above-described "paper size selection" is operated.

In the processing related to the prohibition of (1), once the control unit 7 recognizes an appropriate size as the size of the manual feed paper, setting that the size different from the recognition size becomes an appropriate paper size is prohibited (prohibited) It is In other words, processing is performed to maintain the setting state in which the recognition size is appropriate.

In the process related to the prohibition of (2), although the size suitable for the size of the manual feed sheet is recognized once, it is allowed to be set so that the size of the sheet different from the recognition size is appropriate.

Since the size of the manual feed sheet has been set, this flow ends after steps # 4 and # 6 (END). As a result, the control unit 7 correctly recognizes the size of the manually fed sheet, and causes the printing unit 5 to perform printing based on the recognized size of the sheet. Specifically, the toner image is formed within the recognition size range, and the toner image is not formed to be out of the recognition size range.

(Automatic change of size of manual feed paper when set original disappears)
Next, the automatic setting of the size of the manual feed sheet when the set original is lost will be described based on FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the copy job is completed, the reading unit 1 has no set original. Specifically, when a document is set in the document conveyance unit 2 and a copy job is executed, all the documents are finally sent out, and the document tray 21 is in a state where there is no document. In addition, the user who sets the document on the placement reading contact glass 32 usually (unless remembered) collects the document after the copy job. As a result, the document on the placement reading contact glass 32 disappears.

Also, the user who was trying to copy may leave the multifunction device 100 without performing the copy after all, as in the case of recalling other work or when a call is made after setting the original in the scanning unit 1 . In this case, the user recovers the document once set.

As described above, when the document is set and the copying is completed, or when the user leaves the multifunction device 100 without executing the copying, the document is collected. As a result, there is no set original.

In the multi-function device 100 (image forming apparatus), a sensor for detecting the size of the manual feed sheet is not provided in the manual feed tray 61 (manual feed unit 6). When printing is performed by feeding from the manual paper feeding unit 6 except when manual paper automatic setting is performed, it is required to set the paper size. In the case of a copy job, the size of the manual feed sheet is input to the operation panel 4. Also, in the case of a print job (printing by transmitting print data from the computer 200) and printing is performed by feeding from the manual feed tray 61, the size of the manual feed sheet is set by the printer driver software of the computer 200. Be done.

Here, when the print job is completed, basically, the size of the manual feed paper size is not reset, or the size of the manual feed tray is not returned to the default value. The control unit 7 continues to recognize that the sheet of the previously set size is set in the manual feed tray 61 (manual feed unit 6) until the size setting of the new manual feed sheet is made.

And it may be inconvenient if the user always sets the size of the manual feed sheet. For example, it is assumed that while a certain user sets a custom size and performs copy or print job, a copy job with another standard size is performed by an interrupt. If the paper size is different between the two copy jobs, the manual paper size is changed. At this time, it is extremely convenient for the user who continues printing on the custom-size manual-feed paper if the setting of the manual-feed paper size is automatically returned to the custom size after completion of the interrupted copy job.

In consideration of the convenience of the user, when the size of the manual feed sheet is changed by the automatic setting of the manual feed sheet, the control unit 7 recognizes the size of the manual feed sheet (recognition size) to be recognized when the set original disappears. Automatically back to before changing.

The flow of the automatic change of the size of the manual feed sheet when the set original disappears will be described below with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 7 is the time when the set original has run out. The position of the document can not be recognized by the control unit 7 when recognizing that the set document has been lost based on the output of the document set sensor S1, or by the prescan at the time of opening and closing the document conveyance unit 2, and the contact for placement reading It is a time point when it is recognized that the document set on the glass 32 is lost.

First, the control unit 7 confirms whether manual sheet automatic setting has been made or not by setting the original immediately before (step # 11). As described above, when an original is set, manual sheet automatic setting may be performed, or the user may set the size of the manual sheet.

If manual sheet automatic setting has not been made (No in step # 11), this flow (main control) is ended (END). On the other hand, if the manual feed sheet automatic setting has been made (Yes at Step # 11), it is checked whether the size of the manual feed sheet has been changed at the time of the manual feed sheet automatic setting (Step # 12).

When the size of the manual feed sheet is not changed at manual feed sheet automatic setting (No in step # 12, when the same size manual feed sheet is used for a plurality of jobs), the size of the sheet currently recognized as the manual feed sheet Continuous use is conceivable. Therefore, there is no need to change it. Therefore, when the size of the manual feed sheet is not changed in the previous manual feed sheet automatic setting (No in step # 12), the present flow (main control) is ended (END).

On the other hand, if there is a change in the size of the manual feed sheet at the time of the previous manual feed sheet automatic setting (Yes in step # 12), the control unit 7 automatically changes the size of the manual feed sheet in accordance with predetermined conditions. (Step # 13).

Specifically, the control unit 7 automatically changes the size of the manually fed sheet based on the settings made on the automatic change setting screen 4b shown in FIG. As a result, when the conditions are met, the control unit 7 changes the recognition size of the manual feed sheet.

The automatic change setting screen 4 b of FIG. 8 is a type of system setting screen for setting the behavior of the multifunction device 100. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 4, the control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display the automatic change setting screen 4 b.

In the automatic change setting screen 4b, an automatic change execution key K7 and an automatic change non-execution key K8 are arranged. By touching the display position of the automatic change execution key K7, it is possible to set to use automatic change of the size of the manual feed sheet when the set original is lost. On the other hand, by operating the automatic change non-execution key K8, it is possible not to automatically change the size of the manual feed sheet when the set original is lost. The automatic change non-execution key K8 is effective for the user who always determines the size of the sheet to be set in the manual feed tray 61.

Then, when using the function of changing the size of the manual feed sheet automatically when the set original is lost, three radio buttons are provided to set which sheet is to be changed automatically. (1st radio button C1, 2nd radio button C2, 3rd radio button C3). The radio button can be selected by touching.

The first radio button C1 is operated when making an automatic change based on a time zone in which the document has run out. Specifically, when the first radio button C1 is selected and set, the control unit 7 changes the recognition size of the manual feed sheet to a different size by manual sheet automatic setting, and then sets the size based on the output of the document set detection unit. When it is recognized that the document has run out and the current time belongs to a predetermined time zone, the predetermined fixed size is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet (automatic recognition size change) .

Specifically, a predetermined time zone can be set by operating the first pull-down menu PM1 on the left side of the two pull-down menus. When the first pull-down menu PM1 is operated, a time zone setting screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user can set a desired time zone. Further, by operating the second pull-down menu PM2 on the right side, the standard size can be designated. When the second pull-down menu PM2 is operated, a standard size setting screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user can set a desired sheet size. In the business of a company, when the paper size used for printing is almost fixed in a specific time zone, changing the recognition size by the time zone and the fixed size is particularly effective.

The second radio button C2 is operated when setting is made to return to the recognition size before change by manual sheet automatic setting. When the second radio button C2 is selected and set, the control unit 7 recognizes that the sheet size of the manual feed tray 61 has been changed to a different size by manual sheet automatic setting, and then the output of the document set detection unit When it is recognized that the set original has been lost, the size before change is recognized as the size of the paper of the manual feed tray 61 (the recognition size is automatically changed to the size before change). When custom size paper is set in the manual feed tray 61 and used frequently, the user does not have to reset the custom size, which is convenient.

The lowermost third radio button C3 is operated to increase the probability that the size of the manual feed sheet recognized by the automatic change is appropriate. When the third radio button C3 is selected and set, and it is recognized that the paper size of the manual feed tray 61 has been changed to a different size by manual automatic feed paper setting, and then it is recognized that the set original has run out. The control unit 7 recognizes the size before change as the size of the paper of the manual feed tray 61 only when the number of times within a predetermined period in which the print job was performed using the size of the paper before change is equal to or more than a predetermined value. That is, the recognition size is automatically changed to the original sheet size only when the frequency of use of the sheet size before change is high.

Therefore, the storage unit 73 stores, for each paper size, the number of times used for printing within a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be set as appropriate, and can be set as appropriate, such as several hours, dozens of hours, tens hours, one day, several days, one week, one month, and the like. Also, the predetermined value is appropriately set in accordance with the predetermined period.

Further, the control unit 7 recognizes that the size of the paper of the manual feed tray 61 has been changed to a different size by manual paper feed automatic setting, and recognizes that the set document has run out based on the output of the document set detection unit. In this case, the size that is used most frequently in the print job within a predetermined period may be recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet.

(Paper size error)
Next, a size error of a sheet fed from the manual feed tray 61 in the MFP 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a flow of feeding and printing from the manual feed tray 61 in the multi-function device 100.

First, the printing unit 5 of the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a conveying unit 5b for conveying a fed sheet, and an image forming unit 5c for forming a toner image and transferring the sheet to the sheet. Then, a conveyance sensor 53 for detecting a sheet to be conveyed is provided in the conveyance section 5b (conveyance path) from the manual sheet feeding section 6 to the image forming section 5c.

The conveyance sensor 53 is provided between the manual sheet feeding unit 6 and the transfer roller 52 that transfers the toner image to a sheet. The conveyance sensor 53 has different output values (levels) when the sheet is present in the detection area and when the sheet is not present. The conveyance sensor 53 is a transmission type light sensor including an actuator that makes the state of transmission and light blocking different depending on when the sheet reaches and passes and when the sheet does not exist. Further, the transport sensor 53 may be a reflection type optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

The output of the conveyance sensor 53 is input to the control unit 7 (see FIG. 3). Based on the output of the conveyance sensor 53, the control unit 7 recognizes whether a sheet is present at the detection position of the conveyance sensor 53. Further, the control unit 7 recognizes the arrival of the sheet at the installation position of the conveyance sensor 53 by the sheet detection of the conveyance sensor 53. In addition, after the arrival of the sheet, the control unit 7 recognizes the passage of the sheet from the installation position of the conveyance sensor 53 because the conveyance sensor 53 no longer detects the sheet.

Here, the conveyance speed of the sheet is predetermined in terms of specifications. Therefore, the control unit 7 obtains the size of the sheet in the sub-scanning direction by multiplying the conveyance speed on the specifications or the conveyance speed determined in advance in the time from the arrival detection of the sheet by the conveyance sensor 53 to the passage detection. Can.

First, the start in FIG. 9 is a point in time when feeding from the manual feed tray 61 and printing such as a copy job is started.

The control unit 7 starts the rotation of the manual feed motor 64 and starts counting the non-feed jam confirmation time for detecting the non-feed jam (step # 21). Then, the control unit 7 confirms whether or not the transport sensor 53 has detected the arrival of the sheet (step # 22). If the arrival of the sheet is not detected (No in Step # 22), the control unit 7 confirms whether the no-paper feed jam confirmation time exceeds the allowable time until it is determined that the paper feed jam is not received ( Step # 23).

If the allowable time has not been exceeded (No in step # 23), the flow returns to step # 22. When the allowable time has been exceeded (Yes in Step # 23), the control unit 7 determines that a no-feed jam has occurred, and performs a no-feed jam error processing determined in advance (Step # 24 → End). The control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display an indication that a no-feed jam has occurred, and to stop the sheet feeding, sheet conveyance, and image formation of the printing unit 5 as a no-feed jam error process.

On the other hand, when the arrival of the sheet is detected (step # 22), the control unit 7 counts the time required for the passage from the detection of the arrival of the sheet to the detection of the sheet passing (step # 25). Then, control unit 7 multiplies the time required for passage by a predetermined coefficient (conveying speed on the specifications) to determine the size of the sheet fed from manual feed tray 61 in the sub-scanning direction (step # 26).

Then, the control unit 7 confirms whether or not the calculated size in the sub-scanning direction matches the length in the sub-scanning direction of the size recognized as a manually fed sheet (difference is within the allowable range). (Step # 27). If they match (Yes in step # 27), there is no problem, and the flow ends.

If they do not match (No in step # 27), the control unit 7 determines that the size error of the manual feed sheet (step # 28). Then, control unit 7 causes image forming unit 5c to stop the formation of the toner image (step # 29). Further, control unit 7 causes display unit 41 to display that the sheet of the correct size should be set (step # 210). Further, in order to save time and effort for removing the sheet from the transport path, the control section 7 transports the sheet remaining in the transport path to the transport tray 51 to the transport tray 5b (step # 211). Then, the flow ends (end).

(Warning when magnification is not set)
Next, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the process is performed when the document is set in the reading unit 1 and the manual feeding unit 6 is set to perform sheet feeding, and a scaling factor that is not equal is set. explain.

By performing manual sheet automatic setting, the control unit 7 recognizes the same size as the size of the document set in the reading unit 1 as the size of the manual sheet. As a result, the user does not have to set the size of the bypass sheet.

On the other hand, when the magnification which is not equal magnification is set, the equal magnification condition which is essential for each predetermined combination is lacking. Therefore, in the state in which the magnification which is not equal magnification is set, manual paper automatic setting is not performed. The user needs to manually set the size of the manual feed sheet on the operation panel 4. In particular, care must be taken when a magnification larger than one is set. If a sheet larger than the set original is not set in the manual feed tray 61, the entire contents of the original may not be printed in the printed matter. Therefore, when the document is set in the reading unit 1 and the manual feeding unit 6 is set to feed a document and a non-equal magnification ratio is set, a warning message is displayed on the display unit 41. In addition, the setting of the size of the manual feed sheet is simplified. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 11 when setting of the setting value of the magnification (magnification not equal magnification) is finished and switched to the copy initial screen 4a. Then, a warning message is displayed on the copy initial screen 4a. As shown in FIG. 10, the warning message is displayed in the pop-up above the copy initial screen 4a.

The control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display the current magnification (125% in the example of FIG. 10) set by the user and the size of the set document being detected. Then, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the set magnification ratio exceeds equal magnification (100%). The control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display a warning message to be careful of the size of the manually fed sheet when the manual sheet feeding unit 6 is set as the sheet feeding source and the magnification is not equal.

When the document size is A4 and the magnification is 125%, when A4 paper is set and printed on the manual feed tray 61, a part of the content of the document runs out. Further, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum with a length in the main scanning direction which is equal to or larger than the width of the A4 sheet. However, since a warning message is issued, the user can be alerted so that the contents of the document do not print out.

Furthermore, when the set magnification is not equal (the same magnification is exceeded), the control unit 7 obtains the size of a manual-feed sheet recommended for printing at the set magnification, and obtains a warning message The size of the recommended manual feed sheet (standard size) is displayed on the display unit 41.

The storage unit 73 stores data (see FIG. 11) for obtaining the size of the recommended manual sheet. It is possible to appropriately determine which recommended manual sheet size to use (data content) according to the magnification. Specifically, for each fixed size, the recommended fixed size of the manual feed paper is fixed so that the length obtained by multiplying the vertical and horizontal sides of the document by the magnification factor falls within the range of the vertical and horizontal sides of the manual feed paper. Determine The control unit 7 obtains the size of the recommended manual sheet based on the data stored in the storage unit 73 and the set magnification. In the example of FIG. 10, the display unit displays the A3 size as the recommended size of the manual feed sheet.

Furthermore, when displaying the warning message, the control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display a key for selecting the size of the manual feed sheet. In the example of FIG. 10, size selection keys K9 and K10 are displayed. The size selection key K9 is a key for setting the recommended size of the manual feed sheet as the size of the manual feed sheet. The size selection key K10 is a key for setting the same size as the set original as the size of the manual feed sheet. As with the size selection key K10, displaying the key (size selection key K10) for setting the same size as the size of the original as the size of the manual feed sheet may result in setting of a magnification that is not equal magnification by mistake. It is.

The size selection key K9 includes a character string indicating the recommended size of the bypass sheet. When the touch panel unit 42 receives an operation to the size selection key K9, the control unit 7 does not change the setting value of the magnification, and recognizes the recommended size of the manually fed sheet as the size of the manually fed sheet. Then, at the time of printing, the control unit 7 causes the image forming unit 5 c to form a toner image corresponding to the size of the recommended manual feed sheet in the main scanning direction.

On the other hand, the size selection key K10 includes a character string indicating the same size as the set original. When the touch panel unit 42 receives an operation to the size selection key K10, the control unit 7 automatically sets the magnification setting value to equal magnification and recognizes the detected document size as the size of the manual feed sheet. Such a process can be said to be a type of automatic setting of manual feed sheets.

For example, when an original is A4 and printing is performed on a sheet of B5, if the automatic scaling is set, the magnification is set to a value of about 84 to 86%. When the size of the set original is A4 and the size of the sheet smaller than the original by B5 is B5, if the magnification is not 84 to 86% or less, all the content of the A4 original is included in the B5 size sheet. I can not

Therefore, under the following conditions, the control unit 7 may not cause the display unit 41 to display the pop-up. Even when the pop-up is displayed, the control unit 7 may cause the display unit 41 to display the same size as the set original on the size selection keys K9 and K10.
(Condition 1) The manual sheet feeder 6 is used.
(Condition 2) A document is set (as a result of detection, the control unit 7 recognizes the document size).
(Condition 3) A magnification smaller than equal magnification is set.
(Condition 4) The set magnification is equal to or greater than the largest magnification among the magnifications that can include all the contents of the document on a sheet smaller by one level than the document.

(Setting of manual paper size from paper source selection screen 4a1)
Next, setting of the size of the manual feed sheet on the manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 will be described using FIG.

When printing is performed by feeding from the manual feed tray 61, the feed source needs to be set to the manual feed tray 61. In the sheet feed source selection screen 4a1, it is possible to set the sheet feed source to be the manual feed tray 61 (see FIG. 5B).

The manual sheet feeding unit 6 has no sensor for detecting the size of the set manual sheet. Therefore, when the manual feed unit 6 (manual feed tray 61) is selected as a feed source, the display unit 41 may display a manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 (see FIG. 12). In other words, when the sheet source selection key K11 corresponding to the manual feed tray 61 in the sheet source selection screen 4a1 is operated, the display unit 41 may automatically display the manual sheet setting screen 4a3. As a result, the sheet size of the manual feed tray 61 can be immediately set without switching to the screen for setting the sheet size, and the setting operation can be simplified.

The manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 is provided with three types of keys: an original same size key K110, a standard size key K111, and a size input key K112.

The operation panel 4 (touch panel unit 42) receives an operation on the document same size key K110 as setting for setting the size of the document recognized by the control unit 7 as the size of the manual feed sheet. Then, the control unit 7 recognizes the size of the recognized document as the size of the manual feed sheet. When a document size is designated by the user on the document size setting screen 4a2, the control unit 7 recognizes the document size designated by the user as the size of the manual feed sheet. Further, when the automatic detection of the document size is set, the control unit 7 recognizes the document size detected by using each sensor as the size of the manual feed sheet.

In addition, the operation panel 4 receives an operation to the standard size key K111 as setting for setting a predetermined standard size as the size of the manual feed sheet. The standard size is preset on the system setting screen (not shown) of the operation panel 4. The fixed size can be set to the standard size, or the custom size can be set to the standard size. In this case, the control unit 7 recognizes that the size of the manual sheet is a standard size.

Furthermore, the operation panel 4 receives an operation on the size input key K112 as an instruction to set the size of the manual feed sheet manually. When the size input key K112 is operated, the display unit 41 displays a screen for setting a size by numerically inputting with the ten key unit 43b. As a result, the user can set the size of the bypass sheet by inputting the length. In this case, the control unit 7 recognizes the manually input size as the size of the manual sheet.

When the setting value with the manual feed unit 6 as the paper feed source and the setting value with equal magnification are set and the setting value for specifying the size of the set document is set, or the document size is detected When the set value for automatically detecting the document size is set based on the output of the set, all of the condition set values included in the predetermined combination are set. Therefore, when the setting value with the manual feed unit 6 as the paper feed source is set after the setting of equal magnification and the setting regarding the size of the set document is made, the control unit is not displayed without displaying the manual paper setting screen 4a3. 7 may perform manual feed sheet automatic setting.

In addition, according to the setting of using the manual feed portion 6 as the feed source, after setting the size of the manual feed sheet on the manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3, setting of equal magnification and document size may be performed. In other words, after setting the size of the manual feed sheet on the manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3, all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination may be set.

In such a case, the control unit 7 may perform manual sheet automatic setting. When the size of the manual feed sheet set on the manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 is different from the size of the automatically detected or designated document, the control unit 7 automatically detects the size of the recognized manual feed sheet. Alternatively, the size of the original may be changed. The controller 7 manually feeds the manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 on the operation panel 4 between the time when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set and the time when the predetermined time goes back from that time. When the paper size is set, manual paper automatic setting is not performed.

As described above, in the operation panel 4, when the manual feed unit 6 (the manual feed tray 61) is selected as the feed source, the procedure for setting the size of the manual feed sheet can be simplified.

As described above, the image forming apparatus (the multifunction machine 100) according to the embodiment includes the document set detection unit (document set sensor S1, table document sensor S5, and reading mechanism 3a) that detects that the document has been set. A reading unit 1 including a document size detection unit (size sensor S2, variable resistance unit S3, table document sensor S5, reading mechanism 3a) for detecting the size of the original document, and a sheet used for printing by the printing unit 5 Image data obtained by reading by the reading unit 1 including a manual paper feed unit 6 that supplies the manual paper feed tray 61 and does not have a sensor for detecting the size of the set paper in the manual paper feed tray 61 itself. Or print unit 5 that prints based on the received data, and displays the setting screen for making settings related to printing and document reading Setting for printing and document reading, and setting for performing paper feeding from the manual paper feeding unit 6, setting of the size of a manual paper that is paper set in the manual paper feeding tray 61, and the reading unit 1 Operation panel 4 receives the setting of the size of the set document, and automatically detects the size of the set document which is the document set in reading unit 1 based on the output of the document size detection unit, and outputs the document size detection unit Automatically detects the size of the set original based on the setting of the size of the original on the operation panel 4 or recognizes the size of the set original based on the setting of the size of the set original and recognizes the size of the recognized set original as the size of The manual feed unit 6 performs sheet feeding, and the sheet is fed from the manual feed unit 6 based on the recognized size, which is the size of the recognized sheet. And a control unit 7 to perform printing on paper to the printing section 5, a.

Thus, when the manual feed tray 61 is not provided with a plurality of sheet size detection sensors, the size of the manual feed sheet (the sheet set in the manual feed tray 61) is automatically set (recognized). Therefore, the user does not have to set the manual feed sheet size, and the user does not feel bothersome and uncomfortable. Also, in order to detect a sheet used for printing as a document, a document can be set and automatically set as a manually fed sheet size at the time of printing. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide the paper size detection sensor on the manual feed tray 61, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus (the multifunction machine 100) can be reduced. Also, in general, a magnification of 100% is often set for copying an original, and a user who desires an equal-magnification copy uses a sheet of the same size as the original on the manual feed tray 61. As it is often set, as a result, the probability of recognizing the correct size as the size of a manual sheet is high.

In addition, since a sheet of the same size as the size of the document set in the reading unit 1 is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet, the user can easily recognize what size the manual feed sheet is recognized by the control unit 7 It can be predicted. On the other hand, the user can also set the size of the manual feed sheet by operating the operation panel 4. Therefore, the user only needs to input the size of the manual feed sheet to the operation panel 4 only when the size of the sheet (manual sheet) to be printed differs from the size of the original, and the size of the manual sheet must be There is no need to set it.

Further, condition setting values which are a plurality of predetermined setting values are determined in advance. Also, a predetermined combination of condition set values is determined. Then, the control unit 7 is in a state in which the document is set in the reading unit 1 and when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are taken (of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination, Manual feed sheet automatic setting is performed when the last condition setting value which has not been set yet is set, and the document is set in scanning unit 1 when all the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination have not been set. Even if you do not set the manual feed paper automatic setting. As a result, since the trigger condition (trigger) for manual sheet automatic setting is set in advance, the administrator of the image forming apparatus (MFP 100) does not have to set the trigger condition for manual sheet automatic setting and the management operation thereof. You may Therefore, the burden on the administrator of the image forming apparatus does not become heavy even without providing a sensor for detecting the size of the manually fed sheet.

Also, the control unit 7 sets the size of the manually fed sheet by the input to the operation panel 4 between the time when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set and the time when going back a predetermined time from the time. At this time, the size set on the operation panel 4 is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet without performing the manual feed sheet automatic setting. As a result, the size set by the user on the operation panel 4 is preferentially recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet.

The printing unit 5 also includes a sheet feeding unit 5 a other than the manual sheet feeding unit 6. Then, the operation panel 4 has a setting for selecting one of a plurality of sheet feeding sources, a setting for a magnification in printing (a ratio of printed matter to a document when the size of the document is 1 and a document size of 1). The setting of the document size and the ratio of the content of the document printed on the printed matter when the document is printed is accepted. The condition setting value is a setting value with the manual feed unit 6 as the paper feed source, a setting value of equal magnification in printing magnification, an output of the document size detection unit (document set sensor S1, table document sensor S5, reading mechanism 3a) The setting value for automatically detecting the document size based on the above, and the setting value for specifying the size of the set document. Then, when the control unit 7 sets the setting value with the manual feed unit 6 as the paper feed source, the setting value of equal magnification, and the setting value for automatically detecting the document size based on the output of the document size detection unit. Perform manual sheet automatic setting to recognize the size of the set original detected automatically as the size of the manual sheet. In addition, the control unit 7 manually feeds the set original size specified when the setting value with the manual feed portion 6 as the paper feed source, the setting value with equal magnification, and the setting value for specifying the size of the set original is set. Set the manual feed paper automatic setting to recognize the size of the paper. As a result, when printing is performed by feeding from the manual feed tray 61, the setting frequency is high, which is the setting value of the setting item to be confirmed when the job is executed, and the setting value set when the same magnification printing is performed. Since the condition setting value is used, it is possible to operate the automatic recognition function of the size of the manual feed sheet by the automatic setting of the manual feed sheet only when the original size and the size of the manual feed sheet should be the same size.

In addition, when the control unit 7 performs the manual sheet automatic setting, the operation panel 4 does not receive the setting for changing the condition setting value. As a result, it is possible to regulate a change in setting value such that printing is not properly performed by paper feeding from the manual feed tray 61 after manual paper automatic setting. In other words, it is possible not to set setting values that are in a prohibited relationship, such as changing the magnification, after performing manual sheet automatic setting.

Further, when the operation panel 4 receives the setting for changing the condition setting value after the manual feed sheet automatic setting is performed, the control unit 7 discards the recognition result of the sheet size by the manual feed sheet automatic setting.

As a result, although the size of the manual feed sheet is recognized in the manual feed sheet automatic setting, the setting value is changed, and the recognition size of the manual feed sheet automatic setting is set when the appropriate sheet size used for printing and the recognition size do not match. Automatic cancellation is made. Therefore, the automatic recognition of the size of the bypass sheet is canceled without having the user perform any operation.

Also, when discarding is performed, the control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display a setting screen for setting the size of the manual feed sheet. As a result, when there is a new setting that has a relation of prohibition and it is necessary to redo the setting of the paper size, the user must always specify the size necessary for performing appropriate printing. can do.

The image forming apparatus (MFP 100) performs printing based on the data received from the computer (printer function). When printing documents such as a diary, a report, a bill, and an invoice all together, there may be a time zone in which printing is performed using only sheets of the same size. Therefore, after recognizing that the size of the sheets of the manual feed tray 61 has been changed to a different size by manual sheet automatic setting, the control unit 7 detects an original set (original set sensor S1, table original sensor S5, reading mechanism 3a). And recognize that the set original size has been lost, and if the current time belongs to a predetermined time zone, the predetermined standard size is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet. Do.

As a result, the control unit 7 recognizes that the paper size frequently used in a specific time zone has been changed to the same size as the set original by automatic setting of the manual feed sheet by the original set, and is then set along with job completion or job interruption. When the set original document disappears, the control unit 7 automatically returns the recognition size (the size recognized by the control unit 7 as a manual feed sheet) to the original size (size before change). For example, even if there is a copy job interrupt between the printer print job and the printer print job based on transmission of data from the user's computer, the recognition size will automatically return to the original size upon completion of copying. Therefore, the printer print job can be resumed promptly.

In addition, after recognizing that the size of the manual feed sheet has been changed to a different size by the manual feed sheet automatic setting, the control unit 7 outputs the output from the document set detection unit (original set sensor S1, table original sensor S5, reading mechanism 3a). Based on this, when it is recognized that the set original has run out, the size before change is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet.

As a result, even if the size of the manual feed sheet recognized by the control unit 7 is changed by the automatic setting of the manual feed sheet by the copy job, it is recognized that the copy job has been ended or interrupted based on the absence of the set original. The control unit 7 automatically returns the recognition size to the original size (size before change). Therefore, even if another user's copy job is interrupted between the print job and the print job in which the user sets a custom size etc. and uses the image forming apparatus (multifunction machine 100) as a printer, the user intentionally The recognition size is automatically returned to the original size without resetting the size of the manual feed sheet. Therefore, the printer print job can be resumed promptly.

The multifunction device 100 also includes a storage unit 73 which is set as a manual feed sheet within a predetermined period, and stores the number of times of use used for printing for each sheet size. After recognizing that the size of the manual feed sheet has been changed to a different size by the manual feed sheet automatic setting, the control unit 7 determines the size of the manual feed sheet to a different size, and then based on the output of the original set detection unit (original set sensor S1, table original sensor S5, reading mechanism 3a), When it is recognized that the set original has run out, when the number of times the print job has been performed using the size of the sheet before change is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the size before change is recognized as the size of the manually fed sheet.

In this way, when the recognition size is changed by the automatic setting of the manual feed sheet accompanying the copy job, it is recognized that the copy job is ended or interrupted only when the sheet of the size before the change is frequently used. , The recognition size is automatically returned to the size before the change. Therefore, it is possible to return the recognition size to the pre-change size only when it is highly necessary to return the recognition size to before the change.

The printing unit 5 further includes a conveying unit 5b for conveying the fed sheet, an image forming unit 5c for forming a toner image and transferring the sheet onto the conveyed sheet, and a sheet installed and conveyed in the conveying unit 5b. The conveyance sensor 53 which detects is included. Then, when the sheet is fed from the manual sheet feeding unit 6, the control unit 7 multiplies the time from the arrival detection of the sheet by the conveyance sensor 53 to the passage detection by a predetermined conveyance speed to be used for printing. When the size in the subscanning direction obtained is different from the size in the recognized manual feeding sheet, the image forming unit 5c stops the formation of the toner image, and the display unit 41 corrects the size. A message to set the sheet is displayed, and the sheet is conveyed to the discharge tray 51 by the conveyance unit 5b.

This enables warning by an error display when the proper size of the manual feed sheet is not recognized. In addition, since the formation of the waste toner image is stopped, it is possible to prevent the waste toner consumption. Further, the conveyance of the sheet that has been fed once is not stopped, and the sheet is discharged as it is to the discharge tray 51. Therefore, the cover of the image forming apparatus (MFP 100) is opened and the sheet is removed from the image forming apparatus Is also unnecessary.

In addition, the operation panel 4 receives the setting of the magnification in printing, the size of the document set in the reading unit 1 is detected, and the magnification which is set is not equal to the same magnification. When the setting to perform the paper is set, the control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display a warning message that the size of the manual feed sheet should be noted. As a result, when paper of a size different from that of the original should be set in the manual feed tray 61, the user can be alerted.

In addition, when the set magnification is not equal, the control unit 7 obtains the size of the manual feed sheet recommended when printing at the set magnification, and displays the warning message and the size of the recommended manual feed sheet obtained. Display on 41 As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the minimum sheet size (standard size) which has a size corresponding to the set magnification and in which the contents of the document do not run out. Then, an appropriate size (appropriate fixed sheet) can be set in the manual feed tray 61.

In addition, when displaying a warning message, the control unit 7 causes the display unit 41 to display keys (size selection keys K9 and K10) for selecting the size of the manual feed sheet, and selects the size of the manual feed sheet by operating the key. When the detected size and the detected original size are the same, the magnification setting value is automatically set to equal magnification. As a result, it is possible to prevent sheets from being fed from the manual feed tray 61 at an incorrect magnification and printing being performed.

The display unit 41 displays a sheet feed source selection screen 4a1 (see FIG. 5A) for setting a sheet feed source, and is configured to select the manual feed tray 61 as a sheet feed source on the sheet feed source selection screen 4a1. At this time, a manual feed sheet setting screen 4a3 (see FIG. 12) including a document same size key K110 for setting the size of the document recognized by the control unit 7 as the size of the manual feed sheet is automatically displayed. When the operation panel 4 receives an operation on the document size key K110, the control unit 7 detects the document size detected based on the output of the document size detection unit (document set sensor S1, table document sensor S5, and reading mechanism 3a), Alternatively, it recognizes the document size designated by the user as the size of the manual feed sheet. Thus, the size of the manually fed sheet can be easily set in accordance with the setting of the sheet feeding source.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the range of this invention is not limited to this, A various change can be added and implemented in the range which does not deviate from the main point of invention.

The present invention is applicable to a reading device and an image forming apparatus provided with the same.

Claims

An original set detection unit that detects that an original has been set; and a reading unit that includes an original size detection unit that detects the size of the set original.
The manual feed tray includes a manual feed tray that supplies sheets used for printing, includes a manual feed tray, and the manual feed tray itself is not provided with a sensor for detecting the size of the set sheet, and is obtained by reading by the reading unit. A printing unit that performs printing based on the received image data or received data;
It includes a display unit that displays a setting screen for performing settings related to printing and document reading, accepts settings related to printing and document reading, and settings for performing paper feeding from the manual paper feeding unit, which is set in the manual paper tray An operation panel that receives the setting of the size of a manual feed sheet, which is a sheet of paper, and the setting of the size of a document set in the reading unit;
Automatic detection of the size of a set original which is an original set in the reading unit based on the output of the original size detection unit, or recognition of the size of the set original based on the setting of the size of the set original on the operation panel Manually setting the size of the set original recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet, and causing the manual feed unit to feed the sheet, and based on the recognition size which is the size of the recognized sheet An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes the printing unit to print on a sheet fed from a manual sheet feeding unit;
Condition set values, which are multiple set values, are predetermined.
A predetermined combination is determined for the condition set value,
The control unit performs the manual feed sheet automatic setting when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set in a state in which the document is set in the reading unit, and the predetermined value is set. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein, in a state where all of the condition setting values included in the combination are not set, the manual paper automatic setting is not performed even if the document is set in the reading unit. apparatus.
The controller is configured to input the size of the manually-fed sheet according to the input to the operation panel between the time when all of the condition setting values included in the predetermined combination are set and the time when going back predetermined time from the time. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the setting is made, the manual feed sheet automatic setting is not performed, and the size set on the operation panel is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet.
The printing unit includes a sheet feeding unit other than the manual sheet feeding unit.
The operation panel receives a setting for selecting one of a plurality of sheet feeding sources, a setting for a magnification in printing, and a setting for a document size.
The condition setting value is a setting value with the manual feed unit as a sheet feeding source, a setting value with equal magnification in printing magnification, and a setting value with which the document size is automatically detected based on the output of the document size detection unit. And a setting value for specifying the size of the set document,
When the control unit sets a setting value with the manual feed unit as a paper feed source, a setting value of equal magnification, and a setting value for automatically detecting a document size based on an output of the document size detection unit, The manual feed sheet automatic setting is performed to recognize the size of the set original detected automatically as the size of the manual feed sheet,
When the setting value with the manual sheet feeding unit as a sheet feed source, the setting value with equal magnification, and the setting value with which the size of the set document is specified, the size of the specified document set is set to the size of the manual sheet The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the manual sheet automatic setting is performed to recognize that
The display unit displays a sheet feeding source selection screen for setting a sheet feeding source, and the control portion is configured to select the manual feed tray as a sheet feeding source on the sheet feeding source selection screen. Display a manual feed paper setting screen including a document same size key for setting the size of the document recognized by the document as the size of the manual feed paper,
When the operation panel receives an operation for the original document size key,
The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes a document size detected based on an output of the document size detection unit or a document size designated by a user as the size of the manual feed sheet. Forming device.
When the control unit performs the manual feed sheet automatic setting,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation panel does not receive a setting for changing the condition setting value.
When the operation panel receives a setting for changing the condition setting value after the manual paper feed automatic setting is performed,
The control unit discards the recognition result of the paper size by the manual paper automatic setting, and displays the setting screen for setting the size of the manual paper on the display unit when the paper size is discarded. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The control unit recognizes that the size of the sheet on the manual feed tray has been changed to a different size by the manual feed sheet automatic setting, and then recognizes that the set original has disappeared based on the output of the original set detection unit. The image formation according to claim 1, characterized in that when the current time belongs to a predetermined time zone, the predetermined fixed size is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet. apparatus.
When the control unit recognizes that the size of the manual feed sheet has been changed to a different size by the manual feed sheet automatic setting, and recognizes that the set original has been lost based on the output of the document set detection unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size before change is recognized as the size of the manual sheet.
Including a storage unit configured to store, for each sheet size, the number of times the manual feed sheet has been set and used for printing within a predetermined period;
The controller recognizes that the size of the manual feed sheet has been changed to a different size according to the manual feed sheet automatic setting, and then recognizes that the set original has run out based on the output of the original set detection unit. The size before the change is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet when the number of times the print job is performed using the size of the sheet before the change within the predetermined period is equal to or more than a predetermined value. 10. An image forming apparatus according to item 9.
The printing unit includes a conveyance unit that conveys a fed sheet, an image forming unit that forms a toner image and transfers the sheet onto the conveyed sheet, and a conveyance sensor that detects the sheet that is installed and conveyed in the conveyance unit. Including
When the sheet is fed from the manual sheet feed unit,
The control unit multiplies the time from the arrival detection of the sheet by the conveyance sensor to the passage detection by a predetermined conveyance speed to obtain the size in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet used for printing, When the size and the recognized size of the manually fed sheet are different, the image forming unit stops the formation of the toner image and causes the display unit to display that the sheet of the correct size should be set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the sheet to the discharge tray.
The operation panel accepts setting of magnification in printing,
When the set magnification is not equal and the paper feeding from the manual paper feeding unit is set,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a warning message indicating that the size of the manually fed sheet should be noted.
When the set magnification is not equal, the control unit obtains the size of the manual feed sheet recommended when printing at the set magnification, and the warning message and the size of the recommended manual feed sheet obtained are the same. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image is displayed on a display unit.
When displaying the warning message, the control unit causes the display unit to display a key for selecting the size of the manual feed sheet, and it is detected that the size selected as the size of the manual feed sheet is operated by the key operation. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the original size is the same, the set value of the magnification is automatically set to the same size, and the detected original size is recognized as the size of the manual feed sheet.
Detect a set of originals,
The size of the set document is detected using a document size detection unit,
Supply paper used for printing,
Print based on the image data obtained by scanning or received data,
Display the setting screen for setting for printing and document reading,
Accept settings for printing and document reading,
Setting to perform sheet feeding from a manual sheet feeding unit including a manual feed tray and not provided with a sensor for detecting the size of the sheet set in the manual feed tray itself, a manual feed sheet which is a sheet set in the manual feed tray Accepting the setting of the size of the document and the setting of the size of the document set in the reading unit,
The size of the set document is recognized based on the setting of the size of the received set document, or the automatic detection of the size of the set document which is the document set in the reading unit based on the output of the document size detection unit.
Perform manual sheet automatic setting to recognize the size of the set original recognized as the size of the manual sheet,
A control method of an image forming apparatus, wherein printing is performed on a sheet fed from the manual sheet feeding unit based on a recognized size which is a size of the recognized sheet.